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Comparing Indicators of Suicidality Among Users in Different Types of Nonprofessional Suicide Message Boards

A Linguistic Analysis

Published Online:August 15, 2018https://doi.org/10.1027/0227-5910/a000540

Abstract

Abstract.Background: Little is known about linguistic differences between nonprofessional suicide message boards that differ in regard to their predominant attitude to suicide. Aims: To compare linguistic indicators potentially related to suicidality between anti-suicide, neutral, and pro-suicide message boards, and between the types of posters (primary posters, who initiate the thread, and the respective respondents). Method: In all, 1,200 threads from seven German-language nonprofessional suicide message boards were analyzed using the software Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) with regard to wording related to suicidal fantasies, aggression, and indicators of so-called suicidal constriction. Data were analyzed with ANOVA. Results: There were fewer words related to affective, social, cognitive, and communicative processes in pro-suicide message boards than in other boards. Death-related wording and aggression as well as tentative wording appeared more prevalent in pro-suicide boards. Limitations: Complex language structures cannot be analyzed with LIWC. Conclusion: The results suggest fewer emotion words and wording related to social circumstances among primary posters and respondents in pro-suicide boards as compared with other boards, and a higher use of death- and aggression-related words. These findings might signal a higher degree of suicidality or sheer differences in matters of interest or social desirability. The differences require attention in practice and research.

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